Souvenirs are one of the best ways to tell your loved ones back home that you remembered them while traveling in another foreign country! There are many things for you to buy starting in Hong Kong from Jade products to Fortune Cats but before that check out the amazing flight deals offered by Cathay Pacific and start planning your next holiday.
1. Jade Products
For those who don't know what Jade products are, they are products made from a green colour stone called Jade. It is one of the most popular stones in China and it has been used from the ancient times even by the kings and their chief consorts! The Chinese believe that Jade stones bring good luck, good health and long life. Therefore, Chinese people use Jade products either as bracelets, rings, earrings or lucky charms. The best place to buy such products in Hong Kong is the Jade Street Market.
2. Chopsticks
Chopsticks are kinda hard to use if you have no practice. But in Hong Kong, almost every food is served with Chopsticks. You can ask the folks at the restaurant to teach you how to use them if you don't know how to. Therefore, this also makes an excellent souvenir if you are returning home from Hong Kong. They are available in wooden and they are affordable, but the ones made of ceramic can be a little pricey. Mostly, the ceramic ones are used on special occasions. You will also see some lovely chopsticks that come in beautiful packaging!
3. Chinese Tea
Another souvenir you shouldn’t forget is Chinese tea. Drinking tea is one of the cultural aspects in China and surely, you can see this in Hong Kong too. Tea is a healthy beverage that is good for the whole body, heart, skin and it also used as a stress reliever. According to legendary stories, tea was discovered by Emperor Shen Nong in the 2nd century BC when leaves fell into the water that he was boiling to give a flavorsome drink. There are many tea types for you to choose from; green tea, white tea, flower tea, black tea, oolong tea etc. You can either buy them at Hong Kong’s supermarkets or head to luxury tea boutiques if you want more information from a tea specialist.
4. White Lace and Embroidered Products
You can see white lace and embroidered products in Hong Kong and they are amazing souvenirs to take back home to your loved ones! Due to the rareness of white embroidery the prices can be quite high. There will be umbrellas, handbags, pillowcases, cushions and other materials like tablecloths or bed sheets.
5. Fortune Cats
Also known as the Maneki-Neko which means 'beckoning cat', Fortune Cats are found almost everywhere in Hong Kong be it a supermarket, a restaurant or a hotel. People believe that fortune cats bring luck to anyone who has one. According to historical stories, one day a man from a shop has taken a stray cat and fed him. To show him gratitude, this cat has sat in front of the shop and has waved at the customers to come to the shop. So, the Fortune Cats have either left or right paw in a beckoning gesture; if it is the left paw it means you get more customers and if it is the right paw you get more money. You can also find Fortune Cats with both paws in a beckoning gesture. These cats also vary according to the colour. Calico which is the traditional Fortune Cat colour is considered the luckiest, White for good luck & happiness, Gold for wealth, Red for romantic relationships, Green for good health and Black to ward off evil spirits.
6. Chinese Porcelain
Chinese Porcelain is another great souvenir to take back home from Hong Kong. This porcelain is available mostly in white and blue colour combination but if you look more thoroughly you will be able to find ones from different colours. However, they can be a little pricey. You can find tea sets, cups, plates and other porcelain products in the Ladies Market of Hong Kong.
7. Mooncakes
Mooncakes are widely eaten by the people of Hong Kong during the Mid-Autumn Festival. So why not take some of them to your loved ones back home to enjoy over tea? The Mid-Autumn Festival is focused on Moon watching, and therefore these delicacies are named as mooncakes. They are round pastries filled with lotus seed paste or red bean paste. The crust is usually made of yolks from duck eggs. Mooncakes are often shared between friends and families and even by businessmen to their clients on special occasions.
8. Chinese paintings
Chinese paintings are a sight to the sore eyes! The colours are vibrant but soothing to the mind. There are two main techniques used in Chinese paintings. Gongbi which uses detailed brushstrokes to bring out the figurines delicateness and Ink wash painting, that uses freehand style to paint landscapes and other stuff with watercolours. The best way to purchase Chinese paintings is in the form of small frames, fridge magnets, mugs and cloth decor. Mostly you will be seeing paintings of women and flowers in Hong Kong.
9. Chinese silk dresses
Chinese silk dresses are great gifts for girls who are petite because they are a very body-hugging type of clothes. They are made of silk and they are comfortable to wear. Mostly suited for special occasions. Common colours are red, white and blue. The dresses come in solid colours or with floral patterns.
10. Goji Berries
Goji Berries are just like raisins and they are widely used as herbal supplements in Hong Kong. They are red colour berries available in dried form. However, unlike the regular berries, Goji Berries are not eaten raw in Hong Kong. They are cooked before consumption and are added to soup, rice, porridge etc. to get a whole new flavour and health benefits. But you can eat them raw after adding them to hot water. Best served with cereals, oats and yoghurt.
No comments